Derby County travel to Middlesbrough at the weekend.
After beating both Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion in four days, Derby County take on another Championship promotion challenger in Middlesbrough for Saturday’s early kick-off.
The Rams have been buoyed by a fantastic week so far, with their latest 4-1 demolition of the Baggies at The Hawthorns a timely message to the rest of the Championship of their potential promotion credentials.
Manager Frank Lampard will not want to make too many changes with his side brimming in confidence, but three games in seven days is a tough ask and Boro away at the Riverside will no doubt be a physical battle.
Tony Pulis’s side have height and strength in their side, while Derby in comparison are not the biggest and have struggled against physical sides this season – losing at Bolton, Rotherham United and Millwall.
It is expected Derby will utilise their big squad and freshen things up a little, with the focus on adding extra height at the back and further pace in the final third to hurt Boro on the counterattack.
Martyn Waghorn has not really got going since his £5 million (Sky Sports) move from Ipswich Town in the summer, therefore fellow summer signing Florian Jozefzoon could come in having missed out in the victory over West Brom.
At the back, Lampard would be wise to bring in the more physical Andre Wisdom for 18-year-old Jayden Bogle at right-back, while Craig Forsyth may replace Scott Malone who came off with cramp late on Wednesday evening.
With the rest of the side retaining their place, here is how HITC feel Derby could line up.
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